Regardless of how we operate in the modern world, there is a
certain standard of behavior that we adhere to in the SCA. Our Corpora states that the
primary rule is that, "all participants are expected to behave as ladies or
gentlemen" (Article IIB).

However, what does that mean, really?

This breaks down into several areas, which we can cover briefly now:

Respect for yourself,

Respect for others,

Understanding the SCA System,

Understanding the history behind the etiquette.

There is nothing that says that you must alter who you are to fit into a medieval mindset; merely that
it is necessary for you to understand what it means for you to operate in an SCA social
situation.

There are several things that we do to enhance the ambience of the SCA,
in general practice:

We address each other by our titles (e.g. Lady Argle-bargle),

We make efforts to make each other's burdens lighter (e.g. "May I help you with
that basket/door/package?")

We make efforts to respect other people's
boundaries (e.g. different modes of behavior for different situations and ranks
of people)

We make efforts to put forth the aspects of courtesy and romance that are
hallmarks of medieval style (e.g. how to bow/curtsey, how to show deference to the Crown,
how to handle wearing a sidearm, how to escort a lady, etc.)

Respect, Deference, and Courtesy

Respect and Deference are two words that you hear a great deal in the Society, along with Courtesy;
which is what this class is all about. I'll start with definitions.

Respect:

To feel or show deferential regard for; esteem.

To avoid violation of or interference with: respect the speed limit.

A feeling of appreciative, often deferential regard; esteem.

The state of being regarded with honor or esteem.

Willingness to show consideration or appreciation.

Deference:

Performing or showing an action of courteous respect.

Courtesy:

Polite behavior.

A polite gesture or remark.

The whole idea, in my opinion, is that respect is at the base of all of it -- Respect has its visible
behavioral outcomes in Deference and Courtesy. For example: I have a great deal of RESPECT for
Baroness Katherine of Holford, due to our long-standing friendship and her well-thought-out and considered opinions.
I show her DEFERENCE by listening to her answers when I come to her for advice on something and when I refer
to her by one of her titles (Excellency, Mistress) -- I also don't just walk up to her and interrupt her while she
is speaking to someone else or attempting to perform a task -- I wait until it's a good time. All of this encompasses
COURTESY.

Respect for Yourself

Respect for Others

This involves the following:

This involves the following:

Knowing yourself and your limits.

Understanding your boundaries, and that some boundaries are not to be broken.

Knowing that this is a game of fun, there are rules/

Making an effort to be the best person you can be.

Knowing that if you make a mistake, it's not the end of the world and that you can apologize.

Knowing other people and their limits.

Understanding other people's boundaries, and how they can change depending on the type of work that they're doing.

Knowing that this is a game of fun and making it fun for everyone, not just you.

Making an effort to have a great environment so that everyone can be the best people they can possibly be.

Knowing that if other people make the occasional mistake that it's not the end of the world and they can apologize.

The SCA Visual Code, or, "What are those people wearing, and what do we call them?"

Everyone starts out in the Society with no awards, and is called "M'lord" or "M'lady".
The SCA's award system is based on a merit system -- the theory is that gentles are given awards by the Crown or
the Coronet based on the overall merit of what they do to be productive members of the
Society, and in the Kingdom of the Outlands if you are a member (it's required for most awards).

Retired territorial Barons, or someone given this title by the Crown. This carries the right to use the title
and the coronet. Other people have been given this award at the pleasure of the Crown for service, or for recognition
of grace and chivalry

A coronet with 6 points and pearls/balls on top of each point. This will often have parts of personal heraldry on it.